Ceredigion County Council is the first county in Wales to receive approval to fully coordinate the Shielding Scheme locally, providing support to over 900 people weekly.
This Welsh Government initiative offers shielded residents the option to receive weekly food parcels if they do not have family or friends who can support them with shopping during the coronavirus outbreak.
Although the scheme is now in its eighth week, since 4 May 2020, Ceredigion has been able to secure full ownership of the content and quality of the food parcels through a pilot scheme with Welsh Government. The local scheme allows the Council to ensure that the produce is supplied by local suppliers. This arrangement also allows parcels to be locally packed and delivered to communities by the Council’s drivers.
This week, over 900 parcels will be delivered across Ceredigion. Overall, to date, over 3,700 food parcels have been delivered to Ceredigion shielded residents. This follows on from over 3,000 calls made to residents by the Council’s staff.
One shielded resident said: “Firstly I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with this scheme in Ceredigion. I am so immensely grateful for this service provided by Ceredigion County Council, having not been able to leave the house for over two months. Last week’s food parcel far exceeded any expectations. The quality and variety of produce has clearly been carefully selected to ensure the health and wellbeing of us as shielded residents. I am very proud to call Ceredigion my home.”
For those who do not meet the criteria to shield, but require support with grocery or medication delivery, visit Ceredigion County Council's website for a list of options in your area. The Council is updating local resource lists three times a week, where people can be signposted to receive information on food deliveries and local community groups.
19/05/2020